CZ858 worth extra money over SKS?
- Thread starter wondernyne
- Start date
I'm not a respected expert by any means, but I have owned both the VZ and SKS. I find the VZ has a much better trigger and is considerably more accurate across the board. It also has that priceless "piss off" factor for antis and Fudds 
As for price differential, when I bought them both my VZ was only ~$200 more than the SKS.
But you can't beat the SKS for the price, that's for sure
As for price differential, when I bought them both my VZ was only ~$200 more than the SKS.
But you can't beat the SKS for the price, that's for sure
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I also have both and would also go with the CZ if I had to choose. Besides the reasons already listed, another CZ advantage is that it is easier to disassemble and it breaks down into fewer parts. This makes cleaning much easier which is a must with corrosive (cheap surplus) ammo. I also dislike the soft chu wood stock on my Chinese SKS. Personally, I reload faster with a magazine than with stripper clips so another nod to the CZ.
Better trigger, more ergonomic, aftermarket accessories of typically better fit and quality, just as easy if not easier to dissasemble, feeds from mags or strippers, lighter.
That being said, SKS is still an excellent bang for the buck, but if your looking for something better, CZ is teh way to go.
That being said, SKS is still an excellent bang for the buck, but if your looking for something better, CZ is teh way to go.
Ditto
When hubby told me last fall he was buying something for $450 and then picked it up from our local store, I thought, "wow, what a great deal for one of those _scary-looking_ gunz!". Then after using it for a few weeks, he told me it was $450 "on top of the $200 deposit to hold it". Instead of being mad, I was "oh, you're so cute and sneaky, I'll forgive you..." because it was quick to load and light, as well as accurate at 100m.
Thus began my acceptance of co$tliness for gunz in our family (all except for the so-called exhorbitant "hand-picked" M1 Garand from an unnamed Edmonton shop, which thankfully we got a refund from).
So, as far as chick factor, it's great (not that I don't like heavier gunz, though...).
When hubby told me last fall he was buying something for $450 and then picked it up from our local store, I thought, "wow, what a great deal for one of those _scary-looking_ gunz!". Then after using it for a few weeks, he told me it was $450 "on top of the $200 deposit to hold it". Instead of being mad, I was "oh, you're so cute and sneaky, I'll forgive you..." because it was quick to load and light, as well as accurate at 100m.
Thus began my acceptance of co$tliness for gunz in our family (all except for the so-called exhorbitant "hand-picked" M1 Garand from an unnamed Edmonton shop, which thankfully we got a refund from).
So, as far as chick factor, it's great (not that I don't like heavier gunz, though...).
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- South Ontario
I own both. The VZ-58 design is much, much, much easier to clean, and than settles it for me. Cleaning corrosive is always a pain, so might as well go for the one that is easiest to clean.
But the VZ-58 is also lighter than the SKS, balances better, points better, has better sights, and a far better trigger. The SKS advantage, besides price, is probably that SKSs may have less reliability problems among users in Canada than the VZ-58 and derivatives.
But the VZ-58 is also lighter than the SKS, balances better, points better, has better sights, and a far better trigger. The SKS advantage, besides price, is probably that SKSs may have less reliability problems among users in Canada than the VZ-58 and derivatives.
its apple and orange
the two things they have in common are ammo and from former/still communist countries.
otherwise they are completely different , with the SKS , being cheaper there are more options avail to you, in terms of choices, wider selection of SKSs, more north am made accessories.
for the same cost of a CZ/VZ , you can actually own two or more of different types of SKS, it all depends on your liking, if its quality? then get a early chinese and a russian , if a detached mag is your fancy? then get a reg sks with a duckbill mag and a SKS-D (it take AK mag) , accuratecy? then try a yugo , dont like the chu wood, then swap it for plastic stocks that comes with folding or sliding butts , hunting stock , sniper stock , take your pick .... the fact that they are cheap enuff, im not afraid to do more with it, spend that extra cash. other pluses are its built tuff , less problem , battle proven.
however, if light weight means alot to you, then CZ/VZ is the one for you, wants some thing cool looking like the AK47 , then CZ/VZ is the closest cousin.
im not a complusive clean freak so i havent noticed any diffence in the time in cleaning since i use corrosive ammo , its long and longer or maybe my CZ has a non-chrome barrel and i need to put extra elbows to it.
personally, i like both and i own both but i do find the SKS more interesting , like i said variety (different countries produced them) , longer history and maybe more chellenging on the range....either one or both cant go wrong.
the two things they have in common are ammo and from former/still communist countries.
otherwise they are completely different , with the SKS , being cheaper there are more options avail to you, in terms of choices, wider selection of SKSs, more north am made accessories.
for the same cost of a CZ/VZ , you can actually own two or more of different types of SKS, it all depends on your liking, if its quality? then get a early chinese and a russian , if a detached mag is your fancy? then get a reg sks with a duckbill mag and a SKS-D (it take AK mag) , accuratecy? then try a yugo , dont like the chu wood, then swap it for plastic stocks that comes with folding or sliding butts , hunting stock , sniper stock , take your pick .... the fact that they are cheap enuff, im not afraid to do more with it, spend that extra cash. other pluses are its built tuff , less problem , battle proven.
however, if light weight means alot to you, then CZ/VZ is the one for you, wants some thing cool looking like the AK47 , then CZ/VZ is the closest cousin.
im not a complusive clean freak so i havent noticed any diffence in the time in cleaning since i use corrosive ammo , its long and longer or maybe my CZ has a non-chrome barrel and i need to put extra elbows to it.
personally, i like both and i own both but i do find the SKS more interesting , like i said variety (different countries produced them) , longer history and maybe more chellenging on the range....either one or both cant go wrong.
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Thanks for the opinions everyone. I'm too more inclined towards reliability and accessory availability of the SKS as opposed to more "fashionable" features of the CZ (fashionable because they are all leveled at the only place of its heavy usage, i.e. the range). Plus at least two more crates to shoot the hell out of it, for the money you save.
heres a pic of my sons SKS, he didnt like the fugly stock so he painted it ($20) , then we bot the vented top HG and casing deflector ($20), the 5rd duck-bill mag ($20)and the bipod ($25) from other CGN members who got them from the US, also from US butt pad ($10 shipped).
smile on my son face priceless. lol.
there are lots of accessories avail on ebay and gunbroker.com , also sksman.com .
smile on my son face priceless. lol.
there are lots of accessories avail on ebay and gunbroker.com , also sksman.com .
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...IMHO the price difference reflects the higher quality, function and build of the CZ rifle. Having owned 2 SKS's [one fixed mag and one "D" model both chinese] I feel qualified to say I have played the "Norinco-lottery" and the only good buy in a chinese SKS is the standard fixed mag model for under 200$. The SKS "D" is NOT worth the higher price it commands, mine was an absolute roach with feed issues and the scariest most unpredictable "creepshow" of a trigger I have experienced on any firearm, I don't know if thats the case with many "D"'s but I paid 400$ dollars too much for that P.O.S. That being said my regular fixed mag SKS goes bang everytime I pull the trigger and is a rugged, reliable [if somewhat crude] shooter well worth its price tag of 150$.
I've already got too long winded of a post to rave too much about the CZ, but when I bought mine from Lever arms a couple years back they had not gained the popularity they enjoy now. I remember first off being attracted to the CZ by its looks, and then when I handled it I loved its lightweight, pointability and ergonomics. When I got it home and disassembled it I was impressed by the quality of the parts, reciever not stamped steel, last shot hold open, ease of take-down etc. Then when I shot it I immediately knew It was worth the money. It has a decent, clean breaking trigger,cycled flawlessly and was more accurate then either of my SKS's.
I, along with most others love my CZ-858 and although I have heard of some cycling issues " 858-gremlin" mine has functioned flawlessly for close to 2500-3000 rounds now. This rifle has become a darling of the aftermarket lately as well with everything and anything available to suit personal tastes.
To make a ridiculously long post short, The CZ-858 package in my opinion is a stellar improvement over the chinese or Norinco SKS and a superior product.
Just to add one more thing to think about, if you do decide to pony up the 650$ 'ish for an 858 package for a slight bit more you could get a Ruger mini-thirty. IMHO they are slight step above the 858 with comparable accuracy but a very nice factory fit and finish, don't be scared by the folks who downtalk the Mini, I have shot more than one and they are a decent auto-loading rifle for the money.
Good luck with whatever you choose,
Mad Mikey.
and the only good buy in a chinese SKS is the standard fixed mag model for under 200$. The SKS "D" is NOT worth the higher price it commands, mine was an absolute roach with feed issues and the scariest most unpredictable "creepshow" of a trigger I have experienced on any firearm, I don't know if thats the case with many "D"'s but I paid 400$ dollars too much for that P.O.S. That being said my regular fixed mag SKS goes bang everytime I pull the trigger and is a rugged, reliable [if somewhat crude] shooter well worth its price tag of 150$.I've already got too long winded of a post to rave too much about the CZ, but when I bought mine from Lever arms a couple years back they had not gained the popularity they enjoy now. I remember first off being attracted to the CZ by its looks, and then when I handled it I loved its lightweight, pointability and ergonomics. When I got it home and disassembled it I was impressed by the quality of the parts, reciever not stamped steel, last shot hold open, ease of take-down etc. Then when I shot it I immediately knew It was worth the money
. It has a decent, clean breaking trigger,cycled flawlessly and was more accurate then either of my SKS's. I, along with most others love my CZ-858 and although I have heard of some cycling issues " 858-gremlin" mine has functioned flawlessly for close to 2500-3000 rounds now. This rifle has become a darling of the aftermarket lately as well with everything and anything available to suit personal tastes.
To make a ridiculously long post short, The CZ-858 package in my opinion is a stellar improvement over the chinese or Norinco SKS and a superior product.
Just to add one more thing to think about, if you do decide to pony up the 650$ 'ish for an 858 package for a slight bit more you could get a Ruger mini-thirty. IMHO they are slight step above the 858 with comparable accuracy but a very nice factory fit and finish, don't be scared by the folks who downtalk the Mini, I have shot more than one and they are a decent auto-loading rifle for the money.
Good luck with whatever you choose,
Mad Mikey.
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Never owned an 858, so I can't comment
I can say that I have been extremely pleased with my SKS. About 2,000 corrosive rounds have been through it, and it's never had so much as a hiccup.
I love how menacing it looks dressed up. One of my favorite bush plinkers;
I can say that I have been extremely pleased with my SKS. About 2,000 corrosive rounds have been through it, and it's never had so much as a hiccup.
I love how menacing it looks dressed up. One of my favorite bush plinkers;
Wow, thats the nicest SKS ive ever seen. I have a CZ w/ synth furniture but that is a wicked setup. How does that scope mount hold zero with the bolt hammering into it?.
I dont know if it was mentioned but you can get 6 rounds into the CZ (5 in the mag 1 in chamber)
I dont know if it was mentioned but you can get 6 rounds into the CZ (5 in the mag 1 in chamber)
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CZ looks like a black rifle because it is one, in the true sense. The SKS is a battle rifle that people seem to want to dress like a black rifle. IMO the SKS looks ugly when in its wannabe clothes. I've owned numerous of both and hands down the CZ is a marked improvement in firearms design in all areas... except, maybe, equal in reliability, slight edge to the CZ. No contest.
The only reason the CZ encounters reliability problems is because of the poor job of making it Canadian legal, If you have any problem with the CZ most of the importers have the ability of sorting it out. Mine took a little love to get sorted out, but the unalterd ones in my experance dont have the "Canadian problems"
My 2c
Just buy a gun!
My 2c
Just buy a gun!
I think that the CZ have had less problems then the SKS's. I've heard of (but never seen) about half a dosen complants with the CZ. However, when I used to work at a local gunstore I had seen many of the Chinese SKS's come back for various problems. You take your chances with any firearm (some ALOT less than others) but when it comes to quality the CZ wins hands down.
Note: The Yugo SKS being an exception. They are of the highest quality in an SKS... But still and SKS. Not very modern in comparison.
Note: The Yugo SKS being an exception. They are of the highest quality in an SKS... But still and SKS. Not very modern in comparison.
